Celebrating International Day of Peace 2018

Our canopy flew across the park and droplets of rain splashed on our heads, while our volunteers worked to set up. Suddenly, the day became radiant and we knew this was the right way to celebrate International Day of Peace. The Peace Pole planting honoring Rob Rose was meaningful, not only to our Rotarians in attendance, but also to the many Inspiration Playground visitors who stopped to listen. DG Alan Merry’s comments were spot on, as were Rob’s.

Then the fun began, with balloons floating, message notes being tacked onto the wall, artists creating, and peace-message music booming — well maybe not so loudly — on the big screen. The multicultural Robo Thunder teens sported their robots, and a good number of us line danced to leader Leo, madly bouncing his daughter on his shoulders.

Come nightfall we lit our candles and sang along to those famous 60s songs we all know so well. In the distance, an Army bugler completed the message, sending us home with Taps. Everything went smoothly and meant a lot.

We had a fine turnout. Thank you, Rotarians and friends! We owe gratitude to the generous pre-event help of Celia Morant and son Max Kraus (video); Michael Nassirian (AV funding); and Chris Loeffler (posters). We could not have succeeded without the help of volunteers Sarah Wine, Ivan Irizarry, Tom Knollmann, Josh Sutton, Norm and Lynne Langseth, Michael Nassirian, Natalie Werzynski, Andy Baker, Elaine Heller, Leo Novsky, Celia and her husband Steve, Fay Andersson, and Scott East. You certainly paid it forward!